Crisis Mode

Most mild cries have an obvious cause. Check these four points before trying any calming technique.

1. 1 Check the nappy — if wet or dirty, change it.
2. 2 Check if it has been more than 2-3 hours since the last feed.
3. 3 Try burping the baby if they have fed recently.
4. 4 Check their temperature: touch the back of the neck — not sweaty or cold.

Sucking is one of the baby's most powerful self-regulation mechanisms. They don't need to drink milk to calm down.

1. 1 Offer a clean dummy.
2. 2 If they reject the dummy, offer your little finger (clean, nail facing down).
3. 3 Keep gentle contact: one hand on their chest while they suck.
4. 4 Don't remove the dummy while they're actively sucking, even if they seem to calm down.

Babies are very sensitive to temperature, light and noise. A small change can be enough.

1. 1 Reduce the lighting — close blinds or turn off a light.
2. 2 Turn down the volume of the TV, music or conversations.
3. 3 Check they're not wearing too many or too few clothes.
4. 4 Briefly air the room if the atmosphere feels stuffy.

Direct skin-to-skin contact regulates the baby's temperature, heart rate and cortisol almost immediately.

1. 1 Undress the baby down to their nappy.
2. 2 Rest them against your bare chest, face down or in a vertical position.
3. 3 Cover their back with a thin blanket if it's cold.
4. 4 Breathe slowly and deeply — the baby will synchronise their rhythm with yours.

At this level of crying, white noise needs to be louder than feels intuitive — comparable to the volume of a shower. This recreates the sound of the womb.

1. 1 Use a white noise app, the kitchen extractor fan or a hairdryer at a medium distance.
2. 2 The volume should be loud enough for the baby to hear it clearly over their own crying.
3. 3 Bring the sound source to about 30-40 cm from the baby.
4. 4 Combine it with gentle movement — the effect is multiplied.
5. 5 Keep the noise on even when the crying stops, for at least 10-15 minutes.

Babywearing frees your hands, regulates the baby's nervous system and is especially effective for high-demand babies. The constant movement of walking does the rest.

1. 1 Place the baby in the carrier or sling in the 'M' position — knees higher than bottom.
2. 2 Make sure the airway is clear and you can see their face.
3. 3 Start walking with rhythmic, constant steps.
4. 4 Add a gentle knee bounce if walking is not enough.
5. 5 Go outside if possible — the change of air and light helps.

If the crying is accompanied by a tense belly, drawn-up legs or frequent passing of wind, gas may be the cause. This massage helps move it along.

1. 1 Lie the baby on their back on a firm surface.
2. 2 With fingers together, make gentle clockwise circles around the navel.
3. 3 Alternate with the 'bicycle' technique: gently bend and extend the legs.
4. 4 Try laying the baby face down along your forearm with their tummy resting on your arm (the 'tiger in a tree' position).
5. 5 Repeat for 3-5 minutes.

Warm water has an almost universal calming effect on babies. It doesn't need to be bath time to use it.

1. 1 Prepare water at 37°C (body temperature — check it with your elbow).
2. 2 Lower the baby in slowly, holding their head well.
3. 3 Pour warm water over their chest and tummy continuously.
4. 4 Talk softly or sing while they're in the water.
5. 5 Don't worry about duration — take them out when they begin to calm down.

The rhythmic, constant movement of the car mimics the movement of the womb. Many babies calm down in minutes.

1. 1 If going by car, secure the baby properly in an approved car seat.
2. 2 Drive on a smooth road at a constant speed — avoid frequent stops.
3. 3 The engine noise adds to the calming effect.
4. 4 If using a pram, find a smooth surface and maintain a steady pace.
5. 5 Don't stop as soon as they calm — give a few more minutes to secure the effect.

This technique combines five simultaneous stimuli that replicate the uterine environment. Applied together with sufficient intensity, they are the most effective in intense crises.

1. 1 1. SWADDLE: Wrap the baby firmly in a blanket, arms against the body. The wrap must be firm — if they can break free, it loses its effect.
2. 2 2. SIDE/STOMACH: Hold the baby on their side or face down along your forearm. Face up activates the startle reflex and increases crying.
3. 3 3. SHUSH: Make a loud "shhhh" directly near their ear, or use white noise at high volume. It must exceed the volume of the crying.
4. 4 4. SWING: Fast, small side-to-side movements (1-2 cm, not large swings). Always support the head. The movement must be constant and rhythmic.
5. 5 5. SUCK: Offer a dummy or finger. Sucking activates the calming reflex.
6. 6 Apply all 5 simultaneously for at least 5 minutes without stopping.

In an intense crisis, caregiver exhaustion is as important as the baby's crying. A calm adult calms faster than a stressed one.

1. 1 If there's another person in the house, hand them the baby without long explanations.
2. 2 Leave the room for at least 5-10 minutes.
3. 3 Breathe deeply, drink some water, wash your face.
4. 4 Don't feel guilty — taking turns is NOT abandonment, it's what's best for the baby.
5. 5 Come back when you feel calmer.

If you're alone and at your limit, leaving the baby in a safe place and stepping away for a few minutes is the most responsible option. Crying doesn't hurt them. Shaking does.

1. 1 Place the baby face up in the cot or in the centre of the bed — no pillows or objects.
2. 2 Make sure they cannot fall.
3. 3 Leave the room and close the door.
4. 4 Set a 5-minute alarm.
5. 5 Breathe, drink water, sit down. When the alarm goes off, go back.
6. 6 Remember: a baby that cries is a baby that's okay. You need to be okay too.

Long, intense crying spells are exhausting. Asking for help is not weakness — it's what's needed.

1. 1 Call your partner, a family member or a friend and tell them you need help now.
2. 2 You don't need to explain much: "The baby has been crying for X time and I'm at my limit, can you come?"
3. 3 If you have no one, look for the family support helpline in your area.
4. 4 While help arrives, use the previous technique (leave baby safe and rest).

There are signs that go beyond what any technique can resolve. Recognising them is as important as the calming techniques.

1. 1 CALL 999/112 if: the baby has convulsions, loses consciousness, has obvious difficulty breathing, or their lips turn blue.
2. 2 CALL YOUR PAEDIATRICIAN TODAY if: they have a fever (>37.5°C in babies under 3 months, >38.5°C in older ones), have been crying for more than 3 hours without calming at all, the cry sounds different from usual (high-pitched, continuous), or they've had a recent fall.
3. 3 If in doubt, it's always better to call.